Buddy grew up in Drift, Kentucky. He started working at a very young age to support his family. Buddy was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War where he served courageously alongside many of his friends. He worked for Rough and Ready Lumber Company in Cave Junction for 24 years as a Millwright. Buddy had a passion for always being outdoors, he coached the Helix T-Ball Team for two years, and was always including his family and friends in hunting, fishing, and several other activities. He always had a special place in his heart for his grandkids and played special roles in each of their lives. Buddy was everyone’s favorite. He looked out for others and could brighten anyone’s day with his infectious smile and sense of humor.

Buddy is survived by his loving wife , Debbie, two daughters: La Von Arnett and her husband, Mike, both of Selma, Oregon, and Bobbie Bushman along with her husband Steven, both of Helix, Oregon. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Kaylah Gilkey and her husband Aaron both of Selma, OR, Kelsey Bolduc and her husband Anthony both of Grants Pass, OR, Tylor Bushman, Jason Bushman and Thomas Bushman, all of Helix, OR, and one great-grandson Axton Bolduc of Grants Pass, OR.

A Celebration of life will be held Sunday, November 18, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. at the Helix Community Church in Helix, Oregon. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent to the Debbie Blankenship Memorial Fund of the Helix Community Church. Memorials may be sent care of the Burns Mortuary of Pendleton, P.O. Box 489, Pendleton, Oregon 97801. You may send condolences or view the obituary online at www.burnsmortuary.com Burns Mortuary of Pendleton in charge of arrangements.

He will be greatly missed. The vessel may now be gone his spirit shall forever be with you.

george Mosier

Posted Mon November 12, 2012

My friend of 40 yrs what great times we had,I loved you like a brother talked with you a week ago,you were so upbeat we talked about old times,fun times and how your life was going.Always a great attitude my friend and yoiur family was my family.You will always have a special place in my heart.

Sharon Billips Pruett

Posted Mon November 12, 2012

I'm not much on words never have been but i do love uncle buddy an i will miss talking to him from time to time i would be at moms an he would call i would get to talk to him an Deb i'm sure that will go on i know in my heart he is in a better place an will look over his loved ones til we all meet again he was best no one could ask for a better man than he was i send my love to you all threw this all prayers are with each of you God Bless.

Russ & Jen Wytcherley

Posted Mon November 12, 2012

May you hold tight to the many great memories for comfort. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!

Brenda Billips (Ginny)

Posted Wed November 14, 2012

Sure will always cherish my memories of Uncle Buddy. I know he was a strong man and made an impact on every life he touched. He will be sadly missed by his family near to him and those far away. His sisters on the east coast included. Love you Buddy. Rest in peace.

Kathy Sue Billips

Posted Wed November 14, 2012

Uncle Buddy will be greatly missed by all. I love him and so did my children... We had fun times when he visited his family back home. He and Deb would come and visit everyone and stay with his Sister, Juanita Billips (Neat), my mother giving my children the opportunity to get to know him.. It sadden us greatly to loose Uncle Buddy. He will be missed by all indeed. I love you, rest in peace, Uncle Buddy, your battle is over.. Look down from heaven and we will always keep you close to our hearts.. Love KATHY

Leslie & Lonnie Johnson

Posted Wed November 14, 2012

Debbie and family, I am sending our love and condolences to all of you. Buddy was such a special person, who made everyone feel as if they had been his lifelong friend. We are truly blessed he touched our lives.

Bob Freedle

Posted Thu November 15, 2012

Debbie and family, blessings and comfort to all of you. Buddy was a very special person. Debbie both you and Buddy always went out of your way to touch peoples lives that you came in contact with. It has been my pleasure to know you and Buddy.

Juanita Billips, Marla Barrett, Gloria Draper

Posted Thu November 15, 2012

Dear Bud, We love and miss you so much! Little did we know your last visit here would be our last visit together.We will surely miss our phone calls each week and our picture messages we shared.Though far apart we were, we will always be together through our love and memories. Love you Forever!!! Your sisters- Neat, Tincie & Coot

MATTHEW HEWITT

Posted Thu November 15, 2012

I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART. MAY GOD RICHLY BLESS ALL THE LOVED ONES OF THIS FAMILY, AND GOD BLESS YOU UNCLE BUDDY.

audry

Posted Fri November 16, 2012

Budman: playing the air guitar at my house...Teasing me about bringing a half baked pie to Thanksgiving dinner...Giving me a great big bear hug every time you saw me......When I think of you, it will always be with a smile on my face. God Bless you, Budman---one of the most courageous men I''''''''''''''''ve ever had the privilege to know.

Mary Niclai Oyler

Posted Sun November 18, 2012

Dear Debbie -- I read with sadness the notice in the G.P. Courier about the loss of Buddy. He always had such a happy way about him. I remember visiting with you at the G.P. Dialysis Center all those years ago (15 to be exact), and how much I missed you when I no longer was a part of that group. My heart goes out to you and your family -- keep your chin up at this difficult time. I''''ll keep you in my prayers. -- Mary

bobbie bushman

Posted Wed November 21, 2012

I love you more than anything dad and will always hold you in my heart
.
I can't believe how much I miss you. No one could be a better dad than you were. I love you and I know you are still with me.